At the recent Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention at the San Diego Convention Center, the “Matriarchs of Indian Gaming – Honoring Our Women Warriors” was hosted by Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernest Stevens.
Stevens honored the extraordinary Native American women leaders whose strength, vision, and resilience have profoundly shaped Tribal gaming. Recognizing their critical roles in advancing Tribal sovereignty, promoting economic empowerment, and nurturing community wellbeing, this special tribute celebrates these pioneering women as true warriors whose leadership continues to inspire future generations
Rosemary Morillo of the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians was among the 13 women to receive the inaugural honor, one of them posthumously.
“I was surprised and also proud to be a part of the honoring,” she said. “I was standing with women that are such great leaders, from past and present; there is a lot of strength and knowledge among them all.”
During the ceremony, held April 2, Stevens said, “The Indian Gaming Association proudly recognizes individuals who have dedicated their lives to preserving and promoting Native American culture. These honorees have made lasting contributions to their communities through their leadership, advocacy and commitment to honoring tradition. Join us as we celebrate their achievements and acknowledge their role to ensure Native American heritage continues to inspire future generations. These extraordinary Native American women leaders’ strength, vision and resilience have profoundly shaped Tribal gaming, recognizing their cultural roles in advancing Tribal sovereignty, promoting economic development and nurturing community well-being. This special tribute celebrates these Tribal women as true warriors whose leadership continues to inspire future generations.”
Morillo served on the IGA board of directors for 25 years as both a delegate and alternate for the Pacific region. She chose not to run again. But Soboba will still have a voice at the table as Soboba Tribal Council Chairman Isaiah Vivanco was elected by the Pacific region Tribes. The current members are Mark Macarro, Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians; Chairman Jack Potter from Redding Rancheria; Vice Chairman James Siva, Morongo Band of Mission Indians; and Vivanco.
“Mark will serve as the primary and us three are alternate delegates but share the same duties,” Vivanco said. “Our role is to communicate with our national board on any issue we may have in our region or nationally. It is also important to get national news to our regional tribes.”
In his opinion, the most important function of IGA is protecting sovereignty and exclusive rights to gaming for those that have it. “There are always threats to our industry and IGA is always on top of those issues,” Vivanco said.
Morillo feels the importance of belonging to IGA is for its support of protecting Tribal sovereignty and preservation for Tribal governments as IGA is an association of federally recognized Indian Tribes. She was on the Soboba Tribal Council for 15 years. She served as Treasurer and Vice Chairwoman and three terms as Chairwoman. Also on April 2, IGA Chairman Stevens presented Morillo with a 2025 Chairman’s Leadership Award.
“This being the inaugural class of inductees into the Matriarchs of Indian Gaming is very cool and Rosemary was deserving,” Vivanco said. “I was able to serve on Tribal Council while Rosemary was our Chairwoman and witnessing firsthand her fight to not only protect but preserve our right to game as a sovereign was amazing. She was always very active politically. Maybe that’s where my will to be active stems from.”
For more information, www.Indiangaming.org.
